The Curse of Bhrigu: The Most Intelligent Curse In The Hindu Scriptures

Curses have often changed the course of history in Hindu scriptures. One of the most intelligent curses known to Hindusim was that given by Bhrigu to Lord Vishnu. Let’s find out what this curse was and why it is known to be the most intelligent:

Ongoing war between Devatas and Asuras

According to the Matsya Purana, the story of the curse in set in the backdrop of war between Devatas (demi gods) and Asuras (demons). Demi gods were led by God Indra and it was an uphill task for the demons to defeat them in many subsequent battles. Having lost several times, the leader of the demons, Shukuracharya (son of the sage Bhrigu) decided to approach Lord Shiva for help to defeat Devatas. He also requested Lord Shiva for Mrita Sanjivani, using which Shiva could bring back the dead. He would also pray to Lord Shiva, to grant him Shukracharya, Mritasanjeevani Stotram, a mantra that would make the Asuras invincible.

Meanwhile, he asked the Asuras to take refuge at the ashram of his father, Bhrigu. The Devtas used this opportunity to attack unarmed Asuras. Moreover, if Shukuracharya would was granted the mantra of invincibility, it would have become difficult for them to defeat the Asuras.

In the absence of the sage, the Asuras fled to Bhrigu’s wife for shelter. To protect them, she used her powers to immobilize Indra.

Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to save Devatas

Unnerved by the immobilization of Indra, the Devas decided to take refuge at the feet of Lord Vishnu. Vishnu decided to enter the body of Indra to save the Devas. Enraged by this, Bhrigu’s wife warned to burn them down to ashes if they did so. Indra instigated to annihilate Bhrigu’s wife, and abiding by Indra’s words, Vishnu used the Sudarshana Chakra to serve her head.

The Curse of Bhrigu That Lord Vishnu Suffered

Devastated sage Bhrigu seeing his wife’s condition, cursed lord Vishnu to be born on earth, and suffer the pain of birth and death several times. Because of this curse Vishnu had to take countless avatars on earth and endure all the worldly pain as a price.

Although later Bhrigu revived his wife by sprinkling holy water from his Kamandalu, he was so deeply infuriated and full of vengeance, he decided not to spare Lord Vishnu.

Significance of The Curse

Bhrigu’s curse demanded that Lord Vishnu be born on earth in several avatars, and one of them was that of Krishna. Without Krishna, there would have been no Mahabharat and no Bhagwat Gita.

The curse also made Vishnu feel human emotions such as love, hatred, betrayal and pain of separation.